I am a grandmother who has been taking pictures since I was 6 years old. Now retired, I have time to get serious and work on my skills. I had a couple of pictures published in magazines and on calendars, which encouraged me to upgrade my equipment and techniques. I like meeting other photographers, both amateur and professional, in person and on Flickr with similar cameras and areas of interest. Art shows and exhibits, along with Flickr Groups and followed people serve as inspiration for me to work harder. I take lots of bird pictures in my yard and at Forsythe NWR, local landscapes and of course my grandchildren. Cape Cod is my favorite location away from home for vacations and photography.